behaviorism + the monkey’s paw
TRANSCRIPT
The Monkey’s PawBehaviourismHow we can incorporate behaviourist techniques into lessons for KS3
Starter ExampleNC Prescription Learning
GoalsActivities/Outcome
Assessment for learning
Theory Pros/Cons
Understand increasingly challenging texts through: learning new vocabulary, relating it explicitly to known vocabulary and understanding it with the help of context and dictionaries
To understand vocabulary of “The Monkey’s Paw” and use evidence appropriately to answer questions
Vocabulary test – match the word to the meaning.
Teacher monitors answers and corrects where necessary
Independence in learning is removed with information given directly by teacher. Positive reinforcement is used for correct answers.
+ Good method for assessing vocabulary ability
- Removal of independence
- No cognitive engagement with text
Main Task ExamplesNC Prescription Learning
GoalsActivities/Outcome
Assessment for learning
Theory Pros/Cons
Read critically through: studying setting, plot, and characterisation, and the effects of these
To understand the setting, plot and characters of “The Monkey’s Paw”
Teacher reads to the class. Lectures on the information of plot, setting and character. Tells the students what is important and how to interpret the text.
Students are to make notes in their books. Test at end of class. Teacher can ask class members questions to assess learning.
Independent learning is removed and imitation becomes the main method of learning. Teacher led study.
+ Good for introductory lesson
+ Quickly give large amounts of information
+ No need to correct wrong information
- Removal of independence
- No cognitive engagement with text
- “Boring”
Plenary ExampleNC Prescription Learning
GoalsActivities/Outcome
Assessment for learning
Theory Pros/Cons
Read critically through: studying setting, plot, and characterisation, and the effects of these
understand increasingly challenging texts through: checking their understanding to make sure that what they have read makes sense.
To understand the setting, plot and characters of “The Monkey’s Paw”
Multiple choice questions on plot, setting and characters. Student marks their work as the teacher gives answers to class.
Collect in answers to assess the students’ understanding of the text.
Positive reinforcement is used to encourage the imitation of earlier answers dictated to the class. Rewards good memory and negatively reinforces wrong concepts about the text.
+ Good for assessment
+ Shows individual student’s ability
+ Shows what areas need further development
- Removal of independence
- No cognitive engagement with text
- Focus on parroting the answers of the teacher
Evaluation+ Has benefits of fast information distribution+ Good as an introduction to a topic+ Encouraged by government+ High level of assessment possibilities+ Good for context+ Less area for erroneous readings
- Lack of student cognitive engagement- “Boring”- Heavy focus on testing- No alternative perspectives- Lack of creative or personal expression- Students told what to think, not actually thinking
Despite many negatives, behaviourism can be used alongside other teaching styles to fill gaps in knowledge, increase assessment and monitor understanding. It is best used alongside other styles that engage the students on a cognitive level and encourage more varied learning.